SHOT show 2015: AmericanSnipers.org Rifle Raffle for Chris Kyle

Posted on February 11, 2015

By Mark Hartwell/Storm Tactical data books

Several years ago, Brian “BK” Sain, founded the nonprofit group AmericanSnipers.org. BK and some of his fellow law enforcement friends started the organization to support a military sniper deployed in combat, who couldn’t get some essential gear he needed. From humble beginnings over 10 years ago, AmericanSnipers.org currently supports over 150 deployed (and rotating) sniper platoons. We at AmericanSnipers.org are 100% UNPAID volunteers, so everything we collect goes downrange to support those snipers in need. Our mantra is, “It’s not about us, it’s about THEM.” We are vets, or cops (or both), who go about our regular jobs, and volunteer our time working various local gun shows, and the larger national shows, to gather donations for this important mission. We are a 501(C)(3) certified nonprofit organization.

BK wanted to do something special for his friend, the legendary SEAL Sniper, Chris Kyle. They met up and discussed doing a custom rifle project, but it never came to fruition. During SHOT Show 2013, Chris Kyle ran into BK, and they again discussed getting the project rolling. They both felt bad that their busy schedules had gotten in the way. BK said, “We have the rest of our lives to do this.” Three weeks later, Chris Kyle was gone.

BK never stopped thinking about the project, and made it his mission to get the rifle built and raffled, now for Taya (Chris’ widow). Fast forward to SHOT Show 2015; BK had secured a beautiful 338 Lapua, built and donated by McMillan, the team who built Chris’ 338 with which he deployed in combat. As if this wasn’t enough, George Gardner (GA Precision) built and donated a bolt action 300 WIN MAG, Mark LaRue (LaRue Tactical) donated a 7.62 OBR AND a 5.56 OBR, and SIG donated a 9mm pistol.

In the last few months over 6,000 raffle tickets were purchased on line, and in person, at SHOT Show 2015. Taya Kyle signed the rifle and added “God Bless you! Micah 6:8.” She was 100% supportive of AmericanSnipers.org doing this raffle. What Taya did not realize, was that BK had a surprise for her. On the last day of SHOT Show 2015, Taya Kyle and Debbie Lee, mother of KIA SEAL Marc Lee, arrived at the AmericanSnipers.org Booth to draw the five winning numbers. BK made the announcement that over $60,000 had been raised with the rifle raffles, and that “every dime” was going to Taya. Taya fought back the tears as she expressed her gratitude.